running and knee pain

Question
I am 31, and have always been a slow, more of a long distance runner.  For about a year long, in 2009 I ran 6 miles everyday mon-fri and sometimes sats. too.  Well, long story short my knees have been more schey and I have just started walking.  Are my knees shot.  They crackle with every step and lunge, I cant do plyometric lunges with my knee, and its depressing.  Ive gained roughly 15-20lbs since my running stopped, (and well having another baby didnt help)......what can I do, I need my running!

Answer
First of all, when you are injured, the first thing you do is get off your feet (that means no walking either) for the first three days. So do that first. I know it will be tempting, but DON'T, your body is trying to warn you.

Usually when we get injured at school, we go to rehab, so there is hope, but IDK what rehab you can do, so maybe ask one of the other experts here. But, anyways, if you want to exercise, you can swim. When your knees get better, maybe, maybe, you can bike. Also, for the weight, you can try doing core, but if it hurts your knees, DON'T do it.

Also, have you RICE-d? (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Do that NOW if you haven't. This is EXTREMELY important.
Even when you get back to running, make sure you ice, and maybe compress.

Do you have good shoes to run in? Try going into a running store, and they can fit you with a good shoe. Even if it is expensive, it will be a good investment.

Finally, you might have accelerated your training too fast. Only 10% a week. You need to start your training at the most 3 miles, but when you start back up, start at 1 mile, and build up.

Most importantly, if you are doing anything that hurts your knees. S.T.O.P !!! That is your body telling you that it is not good for you at that time.

Hope I helped!

(Make it a follow-up if you have any other questions)